JOB
Apply early! First review of applications is scheduled for May 28th! To be considered for initial screening, please submit an application on or before May 27th, 2026.AGRICULTURE - A Cornerstone of Washington's Economy The Washington State Department of Agriculture has been serving the state for more than 100 years. Through service, regulation, and advocacy, we keep agriculture viable and vital in Washington State, while protecting consumers, public health, and the environment. We work extensively with farmers and ranchers, but our responsibilities – from ensuring food safety to environmental protection – touch the lives of millions of people locally, nationally, and abroad.The agency includes 780 employees approximately and grows close to 1,000 employees at the peak of seasonal work. To learn more and view additional openings, please visit our Employment Page. The Pest Program is hiring for multiple Non-Permanent Agricultural Aides! The Pest Program conducts surveys, diagnostics and control activities for pests and diseases of important agricultural commodities throughout Washington State. Pest Program employees conduct surveys for Japanese beetle, spongy moth, apple maggot, northern giant hornet, Phytophthora ramorum, Spartina and other invasive insect pests, diseases, and noxious weeds. Some employees work in the Plant Pest and Molecular Diagnostics Lab, or the Entomology labs in Olympia and Yakima to provide diagnostics of survey samples. Others assist with control and eradication efforts for Japanese beetle, spongy moth, invasive snails, northern giant hornet, Spartina and knotweed. Regardless of the threat, Pest program employees use cutting edge technology, scientific processes, and teamwork to protect some of Washingtons most valuable agricultural crops.The OpportunityThe Apple Maggot Trapper is responsible for assembling, placing, monitoring, and removing up to 650 insect traps within a designated area. A state vehicle is assigned for survey duties. Trappers will be responsible for the safe and legal operation of their vehicles, effective placement, and servicing of all traps in their area of responsibility and maintaining good public relations. Some positions may require occasional overnight travel with travel expenses (lodging and meals) being reimbursed. These positions typically work from June until the end of September depending on the season. Apple Maggot trappers will typically work Monday-Thursday, 6:00am- 5:00pm shifts each week. This position is a full-time non-permanent position that is approved for a home duty station in one of the below locations: Okanogan CountyChelan CountyGrant CountyKittitas CountyFranklin CountyBenton CountyWalla Walla CountyYakima CountyImportant Notes: WSDA is recruiting for nineteen (19) full-time non-permanent Agricultural Aide positions within the Plant Protection Division. These positions are located in Eastern Washington. They are represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) Union.The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the preferred candidate's job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The typical starting salary for these positions are: Range 34, Step A $18.00 - Step L $23.14 hourly.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
What to ExpectSome of the various responsibilities within this role include: Conduct field operations for apple maggot and other invasive species survey programsDrive assigned Agency-provided vehicle to install and inspect insect detection traps at required densities according to survey protocols by the program deadline in assigned geographical location; select trap sites for effective trap placement and coverage.Collect data points with minimal margin of error.Monitor traps.Report suspect flies immediately.Place additional response traps as directed.Remove all traps by program deadline.Effectively use technology to efficiently and accurately complete daily tasksUse assigned technology and software applications to plan activities and navigate to survey sites.Collect accurate data, collect specimens and site photos when nessecary per protocol.Communicate project progress, task completion, unexpected complications, travel updates, weather conditions, any unpleasant encounters with people or animals, as well as any safety concerns with Apple Maggot Field Supervisor and other program staff.Complete staff status "check in" and "check out" forms at the beginning and end of each day.Submit hours in PISCES timekeeping system at the end of each day.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Employee BenefitsA healthy work/life balance, which may include flexible work schedules, and teleworking.WSDA provides an excellent benefits package beyond traditional benefits. State employment offers Dependent Care Assistance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Deferred Compensation, Employee Recognition Leave; click here for more information.12 paid Holidays & Vacation and Leave Accruals.All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required will be provided by the agency. How to applyYou must complete your careers.wa.gov profile and answer the supplemental questions. By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed.If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email
[email protected] initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application and the materials submitted. All information may be verified, and documentation may be required. Applications received via e-mail will not be accepted in lieu of applying through the state's on-line recruitment system.WSDA uses aI-9 form(Download PDF reader)to determine Employment Eligibility and Verification, once hired. This document is the authorization of an individual’s ability to be hired for employment within the United States. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.Equity at WSDAThe Department of Agriculture recognizes, appreciates, supports, embraces, and respects all cultural identities and backgrounds while we collaborate in authentic ways. We hire amazing people that share in the commitment to our Pro-Equity Anti-Racist (PEAR) strategic plan, our Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act implementation plan, and our unique needs and desires for belonging, respect, and inclusion. We value the growth and development of our team members by providing equitable access to resources and opportunities for continuous learning, improvement, and advancement.We strive to hire, cultivate, and retain a productive and dedicated workforce that reflects the communities we serve while we are committed to a workplace that celebrates our differences and supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.Contact UsShould you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at
[email protected] to a new appointment into the Department of Agriculture, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. The Human Resources Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for up to six months.Veteran's Preference: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, or other verification of military service. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here. Persons with a disability, who need assistance with their application or need this announcement in an alternative format, may call 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us at www.agr.wa.gov.
